3 Review(s)

“The Chain and The Amulet” is a captivating blend of fact and fiction,unfolding in 1970s and 1980s Gambia. This tale revolves around Satou, who,unbeknownst to her, was promised to a prosperous trader shortly after herbirth.As Satou blossoms into a young beauty, she excels in school thanks to amysterious sponsor—her betrothed. However, her seemingly idyllic lifetakes an unexpected turn in high school when she meets and falls in lovewith Lamin, the son of her promised partner.Woven into Satou’s narrative is the factual account of the 1981 coup d’état inGambia, orchestrated by Kukoi Samba Sanyang. This historical perspectiveis shared through the eyes of Lang. Lang’s experiences guide us through thecoup’s unfolding events, shedding light on Kukoi’s fate and the insurgentswho fled Gambia, seeking refuge in Guinea Bissau, Cuba, and undergoingmilitary training in Libya.“The Chain and The Amulet” skillfully navigates the complexities ofarranged marriages and polygamy. It offers a rich portrayal of the aftermathof Kukoi’s failed coup - an event that resulted in numerous deaths in Gambia.This beautifully crafted narrative provides a compelling exploration of loveand political turmoil.